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A New Prince
by Andoria Sunok

Sector H
Andorian Dynasty
Oryn Prime

Deep within the warm caverns of Rhapsody Mountain gentle breezes stirred and whirled through the crevices and flues of naturally formed
rocky chimneys, creating the "music of the mountain", and therefore its name. The Sages made the mountain their home during the early
spring and late summer months, while mating and bearing their young. No other duties occupied their time, except the tender intimacies and
the wonder that comes from sharing with the bondmate of ones life. Sages Tobias and Clairana were expecting their first offspring, and so,
in keeping with tradition, had remained within this stronghold for almost six months.

The Sages' usual duties were as guardians to the Andorians, the elven-humanoid race with whom they cohabit Oryn Prime, their homeworld
hidden within the Oryn Nebula. In turn, the Andorians functioned as caretakers of the planet, and the survival of both races depended on the
balance of nature achieved through both their endeavors. As shape changers, the Sages were able to take on humanoid form. When doing so,
they resemble the Andorians, save for their headdress of feathery long hair. In Sage form they made up the predatory species of birds that inhabit
Oryn Prime.

It was unusual for a Sage to deliver just one offspring. In their case, their large spacious nest would have been able to accommodate three or
four young Stellar Sea Eagles by the time she delivered. It was for this reason that the two new parents were especially apprehensive and had
the attention and care of several of their family and friends at their disposal. Due to the instinct for survival, they had long foregone the laying
of eggs, and their young were born live in Sage form, and very hungry. Sage Tobias would spend many hours hunting and fishing until Clariana
had recovered sufficiently to share in the feeding responsibilities.

Tobias was concerned for her well being. Her labor and delivery would indeed be long and tiring for this one child was bountiful in size. Inside
their cavern home they had remained in humanoid form, as it was easier for Tobias to care for her, and easier for her to move around. She was edgy,
and had been working diligently to prepare their nest for three days. She would eat only when prompted and then very little. She had gone into labor
several times and had changed form, but the pains had ceased. She was more than ready to deliver, and the fledgling within her, by the way he stretched
and pushed, had very little room to grow or move.

"Why the delay?" she would moan when nuzzling up to Tobias, desperate for relief from the weight within her womb. When her physician had
paid them a visit that morning she had informed them that within twenty-four hours they would be parents and to prepare quickly. She had promised
to return by nightfall to assist them in starting labor. It was essential that she be delivered as soon as possible.

That night as moonlight streamed into their cavern home, and the breezes of an unusually warm but pleasant night surrounded them, Clariana was
insistent on wanting to go for a short flight. Tobias tried to talk her out of it, but it was no use. It was as if she was possessed by the desire to soar within
the moonlight and he finally consented. They changed form and flew to the top of the rocky cliff. She started to take off but felt the pressure of movement
and hesitated. Tobias wrapped his wings around her, shielding her from the growing winds. She moved away from him.

"I must do this, my time is at hand, and the prophecy shall be fulfilled. This night we shall deliver the first Sage to rule
Oryn Prime as it was ordained by the Prophets of old. "

Tobias looked deeply into her eyes, which seemed to glow. She then turned to the heavens.

"Behold, my husband!"

As Tobias looked upwards he drew in a deep breath. The moons of Oryn Prime were aligning, something which had not occurred for a millennium,
and a kaleidoscope of light burst all around them. They took flight and soared high, their minds filled with the voices of the Prophets and symphony of
the heavens.

Suddenly, Clairana felt the pangs of labor, strong and sure, and she brushed her husbands mind with a simple message.

"My time is upon me."

They returned to their home to find the physician, Sage Gabrielle awaiting them. She instructed Tobias to gently massage her abdomen, while she
prepared the young mother for birth. Many hours passed and Gabrielle admitted she was concerned that the child would need to be delivered in humanoid
form rather than that of a Sage. This was especially worrisome, for if that occurred, the child would not be able to change into Sage form. Then, just when
the physician thought she would need to intervene, Clairana suddenly became very quiet. Her damp brow began to dry and her color returned.

She squeezed Tobias's hand and said,

"He is coming and I am suddenly without pain and have a deep peace."

A smile crossed her face and she laid her husbands hand on her abdomen which promptly responded to his touch by pushing against his palm.

"Prepare to receive our son, my husband."

He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Are you sure?"

The surprise and delight on his face made her laugh. She then moaned as an overwhelming urge to push swept over her. He wiped her brow and she
looked up into his eyes.

"Such has been revealed to me, yes."

She changed into Sage form and after an hour of additional pushing she gave birth to a fledgling that looked as if he was already two weeks old.
Gabrielle allowed Tobias to gently cleanse and dry him and then nudged him to his mother. His squawks of hunger were only quieted by several small
fish, which Tobias had been saving for the occasion. Gabrielle left the three of them alone, and instructed the others to begin a hunt to satisfy their new
young prince.

Left alone at last, Tobias changed form and wrapped his massive wings around them both. He gently nuzzled Clairana and their new offspring.

"What name have the prophets chosen for our son?"

She closed her eyes and sought the answer. When she opened them she replied,

"He shall be symbolic of the dawn and shall bring an age of awakening to our people.
His name shall be Byrkana."

Tobias nodded thoughtfully and glanced upwards. The first rays of morning were streaming down upon them.

"Yes, he is well named."

Overcome by exhaustion, the young family settled down into their nest, and slept soundly.